These are the gifts we have received this month.
The gift of Prayer/ Faith
The complete atmosphere of a place changes when this man enters. His smile, his loud laugh and his hilarious sense of humor. Service and worship are made better with a constant sound of approval with many ‘Amens’ and ‘Praise the Lord!’s. Because of this man I feel challenged to love more, endure more, persevere more, sing more and pray more. Daily activities are made that much harder as he lives with the symptoms of cancer. Cancer that has been present in his body for the last five years. This week, after many years of fighting and praying for healing, his Doctor gave him the heartbreaking news, there was nothing else that could be done. His spirit stays the same and he will still tell you, “God is in the business of healing!” His testimony of joy, faith and positivity has impacted me deeply. To look inside his planner and see our names penciled to pray for, humbled me. Today he left the C.O.C. to enter himself into hospice where he can hope to die in comfort. As he left he reminded us as a couple that he has committed to pray for us. I left weapping.
The gift of friendship, laundry and fun
With family on the mind, in month three, we were blessed with a family that took us in as their own. A family that home schools all six children, that live and work at the C.O.C. They have gifted us with their friendships, their laundry facilities (that include a dryer, a first since we left home) and time with their family. The youngest three girls are a treasure to play with, they are quick to give hugs and tell stories. Liam, the oldest boy works in the kitchen and Erin the oldest helps with her siblings. Ryan has joined us a time or two while hanging out. James the father works with Cole often and Leanne is always so gracious to help us out and open up their home to us. They have reminded us how important family is!
The gift of wisdom and generousity
I entered the kitchen and was instantly greeted by Rita and Joy. Two wonderful women that love the Lord and serve faithfully preparing meals. Joy recently returned from thirteen years serving in Thailand. We instantly felt a connection. She is a sweet lady that valued Cole and I’s marriage, she did many things to honor us and show us her love. We are so grateful for her wisdom and generousity. Whenever there was a need or concern she was aware and very helpful. She also gifted us with Tea Tree Oil for our wounds. She is someone I knew my mom would appreciate, because while I was here I felt very cared for by Joy.
The gift of diligence and gentleness
Mark and Carol are a couple that silently and perseverantly keep things running at this place. Mark seemed a mystery at first, but I really enjoy watching him work or worship. He works on the farm often and has nurtured many animals as his pets. Two in particular, one a cow, the other a pig. We watched as Mark was followed by Pops, the cow. If Mark held his hand out while walking Pops would lick him and follow. He would just appear by Marks side at random and with this you could see Mark’s gentleness. Carol is a sweetheart that has generously blessed our team and labored hard to keep us operating in an effective way.
The gift of boldness, good stewardship, and leadership
Merv is a pastor like no other. He is unafraid to say the difficult things or do the hard stuff. Unlike my first impression of him, he works harder than anyone I know around here. He is a true leader in this community and in this church, he leads by example. If ever there was a question, he could answer it. On one occasion he was in the kitchen running the bread slicer, and I thought to myself, ‘how many pastors would actually know how to operate these odds and ends machines.’ Our second day here in Darwin, we were on a pig farm and Merv was leading the charge in duties. He is unafraid to get his hands dirty, and for this everyone is blessed by him. If ever you ask how he is, the answer you will hear is, “Not bad for a young blok.” My faith has been challenged and I have been stretched by his teaching. I love his church, where every five minutes or so he’ll ask for an amen or ask if we are still listening. It is not difficult to be interactive with him as he spits, yells, sweats and paces his way through the tough subjects of our faith. It is because of the boldness of this man, that we feel fired up to say the affendable things for Jesus, because it is worth their souls.
The gift of warm meals, friendship and dinner.
Daisy and Peter serve us dinner nearly every night. We have fallen in love with their sweet spirits. They are a couple that love the Lord and have been serving in the Church and at the C.O.C. for a long time. They are originally from Indonesia and enjoy teaching us about their own culture. On one occasion they took us to dinner and drove us around the city as our tour guides. If we have learned to smile like them, we have learned a great deal.
The gift of playfulness
Working in high heat and high humidity can drag days on, but an occasional ‘Hello’ from a child makes any dreary soul smile. They come in go in this place, but with only days to love on them, I have still fallen for so many. They expescially love our guys. When Cole walks up, they light up. I want to love deeper, play harder and laugh more because of them.
The gift of Love
The entire church body and staff of C.O.C. have been so sweet, loving and hospitable towards us. We are grateful to have participated in the Kids Club with Jeff and Mandy, as well as help with Kids Kappers, with Julie and Mandy. We where blessed by the staff that taught us how to dig through pig food, or fold the laundry. Sandara and her family opened up their home, hearts and home church to us and for that we were grateful. Cole felt back at home with Sandara’s home cooked meals and sweet momma like spirit. There are so many names and so many people and we want to honor all of you for your committment to the C.O.C. and to us. May you all be blessed as you have been a blessing to us.
